Overview

Astaxanthin is a nutrient found in some fish and shellfish that is available over the counter as a supplement. It is also added to some products that are applied to the skin. People use astaxanthin for many reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause. Before using astaxanthin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is astaxanthin used for?

Astaxanthin is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using astaxanthin include the following.

• To improve eye health
• To improve heart health
• To improve the health and appearance of the skin
• To improve memory and thinking skills

Note: The FDA has not reviewed astaxanthin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Astaxanthin is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also added to dietary supplements that contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

How does astaxanthin work (mechanism of action)?

Astaxanthin is a type of nutrient known as a carotenoid. It is a reddish-orange color, so many of the foods that contain astaxanthin are pink. For example, astaxanthin is found in salmon, redfish, crab, and shrimp. Dietary supplements that contain astaxanthin are usually made from a red algae called Haematococcus lacustris.

Although you may get astaxanthin from your diet, your body does not need this nutrient to function. Some carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are an important part of your diet because your body can turn them into vitamin A. But your body does not turn astaxanthin into vitamin A, and astaxanthin does not help increase your vitamin A levels.

Astaxanthin may have some effects in the body, including acting as an antioxidant and reducing swelling (inflammation). This has led to interest in using it to improve the health of the brain, heart, and eyes. There is also interest in using astaxanthin to protect the skin from sun damage. But its benefits for any use are not well defined.

How should I store astaxanthin?

You should store astaxanthin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of astaxanthin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of astaxanthin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of astaxanthin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Astaxanthin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using astaxanthin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use astaxanthin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use astaxanthin.

• Astaxanthin
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific astaxanthin products they stock.

What should I know about astaxanthin before using it?

Astaxanthin is a dietary supplement. It is also added to products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep astaxanthin out of the reach of children.

Astaxanthin is available in many forms, including a capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid extract. It is also available in some creams and oils that are applied to the skin. Some of these products may contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Read the product label carefully to see which ingredients it contains.

The FDA has not tested astaxanthin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using astaxanthin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if astaxanthin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how astaxanthin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if astaxanthin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does astaxanthin interact with foods or drinks?

You should take astaxanthin with food or a meal that has fat in it. Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, which means that taking it with fat helps your body absorb it.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect astaxanthin.

Does astaxanthin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between astaxanthin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with astaxanthin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using astaxanthin with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much astaxanthin?

If you or someone else has used too much astaxanthin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use astaxanthin safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.